[INTERVIEW] Park Bo-kyoung on Her Award-Winning Role in ‘The Art of Sarah’ and Her Family’s Support

The Seoul Story had the chance to interview actress Park Bo-kyoung fresh off her Best Supporting Actress win at the 5th Blue Dragon Series Awards. In this interview, we discussed her award-winning role as Jeong Yeo-jin in The Art of Sarah, her actor husband Jin Sun-kyu’s unwavering support, as well as her evolution as an actress, among others.

Q: Please introduce yourself to The Seoul Story readers.

A: Hi! I’m actress Park Bo-kyoung. It’s an honour to say hello to all The Seoul Story readers.

Q: We think that it is still not too late for us to congratulate you for winning Best Supporting Actress at the 5th Blue Dragon Series Awards! What are the memories that you still remember until now with regards to the overall event?

A: I remember the moment my name was called like it was yesterday. Time seemed to stop and everything around me – movements, sounds, all of it – was happening in slow motion.

Q: Your husband, Jin Sun-kyu was very supportive during your acceptance speech, and was even shown crying in the audience. How crucial was his support meant to you throughout your journey as an actress?

A: My husband is someone I’m deeply grateful for. Whether we’re on stage together as colleagues or at home raising our kids, he’s always cared about me more than I care about myself. Also, he’s the one I can share everything with – be it in acting or in life in general. I’m grateful every day that I get to share this life with him and grow old together.


Q: Let’s talk about the drama that earned you the win: The Art of Sarah. What is the main inspiration behind your role as Jeong Yeo-jin in the drama? Are there any emotions or messages that you hoped to convey through the role?

A: What drew me to Jeong Yeo-jin was the emptiness she carried inside. She chased recognition through wealth and fame, but the one recognition she actually needed was from just one person – Sarah Kim. That made me feel sad for her, and sympathetic too.
After all, sometimes all we need is just one person who truly sees us.

Q: How was the experience working with Shin Hye-sun, Lee Jun-hyuk and the rest of the cast? Are there any memorable or funny behind-the-scenes stories that you could share with us?

A: We don’t always shoot in order, and it’s especially awkward filming an angry or fighting scene on day one. You’re still cautious around someone you just met, and suddenly you have to hit each other (laughs). It was easier with (Lee) Jun-hyuk, though, since it was our second project together. He’s so gentle, and I loved being able to talk to him about our craft.

Q: You have also acted in Squid Game Season 2 and Genie, Make a Wish. How do you feel knowing that the dramas you acted in will be watched by global audiences and not just Koreans? Does it bring more pressure?

A: Normally, I don’t think I fully grasp the reality of my work out there overseas. But when I’m doing interviews like right now, it’s both surreal and exciting. So many Korean actors and crew members are giving their best to make great work, so please keep sending them love and support – it means the world to us.

Q: You have played a wide range of characters throughout your career. How do you separate yourself from your respective character after the drama wrapped up filming?

A: I step out of character the second I hear ‘Cut’ – mostly because I have a full day of work waiting at home as ‘Mom’. Honestly, it’s the most challenging role I play (laughs).


Q: Having taken on so many different roles throughout your career, are there any roles that you hope that you could take on next?

A: Billy Elliot and Life Is Beautiful are my all-time favourite films. I hope someday, even if it’s a small role, I get to be part of something that someone else names their all-time favourite.

Q: How do you feel you have evolved as an actress throughout the years?

A: ‘Maturity’ feels like the more accurate word, more than ‘growth’. Lately, I’m come to cherish the people I share the set with more and more. I was the one who got the award, but seeing firsthand the sheer amount of work and dedication that goes into a production from so many people reminded me how sincerely I need to prepare for my roles. Making a drama or a film is absolutely not something that can be done alone.

Q: What is the most random fan encounter that you have experienced?

A: Unlike the fierce image and makeup you see on screen, I’m actually quite ordinary and without any makeup in real life. So, I go unnoticed most of the time to the point that I frequent public bathhouses too (laughs).

Q: If you could swap lives for a day with any character from any drama that you have acted so far, who will it be and what will you do?

A: I’d want to be Jeong Yeo-jin, just to finally get a break from all that tension and actually relax!

Q: If either of your children wanted to follow you and your husband’s footsteps as an actor, what is the one advice that you will give to them?

A: First and foremost – be a good person, a good friend. Go experience as much as you can and let yourself feel the full range of your emotions.


All episodes of The Art of Sarah are now available to stream on Netflix.
Thank you L’July Entertainment for the interview opportunity!


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